The founder of the US National Park Service grew up in Wisconsin

By Christina Lorey

March 4, 2025

John Muir was just 11 when his family moved from Scotland to Wisconsin in 1849–building a home in Marquette County, midway between Wisconsin Dells and Oshkosh.

“We settled in a fine wild region, beside a small glacier lake [Ennis Lake] bordered with white pond-lilies,” Muir wrote. He immediately fell in love with the local landscape, which launched him on a path to preserve the country’s history.

Muir briefly studied natural sciences at the University of Wisconsin before dropping out to spend a lifetime enrolled in what he called “the University of Wilderness.”

The last 25 years of Muir’s life were the conservationist’s busiest: he created the Sierra Club, successfully lobbied for the creation of Yosemite National Park, and persuaded President Teddy Roosevelt to put government funding towards the preservation of America’s most beautiful lands.

Travel Wisconsin assembled a road trip that takes nature lovers through the parts of Wisconsin that inspired John Muir most. Here’s the route.

MORE: Madeline Island & More – Wisconsin’s Coolest Natural Wonders

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina is an Edward R. Murrow-winning journalist and former producer, reporter, and anchor for TV stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, you can find her volunteering with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and various mental health organizations. Send all story tips to [email protected] and sign up for her newsletter here.

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CATEGORIES: LOCAL PEOPLE

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